Troubleshooting Frizz: Top Tips for Taming Your Hair
Let's troubleshoot some common ways our hair can become frizzy. We often want to blame the humidity in the summer, but we can't always point the finger at Mother Nature. Let’s dive into some common ways we unintentionally cause frizz and, more importantly, how to fix it!
1. How to Avoid Frizz While Blow Drying
Blow drying can be a frizz fest if not done correctly. Here’s how to keep your hair smooth and sleek:
Use a Heat Protectant: Before you even think about turning on that blow dryer, apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This helps shield your hair from damage and reduces frizz.
Blow Dry Down the Length of Your Hair: This is an important step to smoothing the cuticle on your hair and reducing the appearance of frizz. Think of the cuticles of your hair like shingles on a roof! Blowing upwards on the length of your hair is sure to make your blowout fuzzy.
Dry with a Diffuser: Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer to distribute the heat more evenly and gently. This is especially great for curly hair.
Cool it Down: Finish your blow-drying session with cool air. This helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing frizz.
2. Keeping Natural Curls Frizz Free
Natural curls are beautiful, but they can be prone to frizz. Here’s how to keep them looking defined:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your curls hydrated. Dry hair is more likely to frizz. Curly hair loves moisture!
Avoid Over-Manipulating: Once your hair is dry, try not to touch it too much. The more you mess with your curls, the more frizz you create. It is also important to keep your hands out of it while it is wet to avoid breaking your texture. This often results in “poofy” hair.
Use a Curl Cream or Gel: Apply a curl cream or gel to damp hair to define your curls and reduce frizz. Look for products with natural oils to help lock in moisture. Using these products in combination will nourish your curls but also create a cast on your ends while drying for maximum definition.
3. Reducing Frizz After Sleeping
Waking up with frizzy hair is no fun. Here’s how to wake up with smoother strands:
Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one. These materials create less friction, reducing frizz while you sleep.
Pineapple Your Hair: Gather your hair into a loose, high ponytail (like a pineapple!) to protect your curls or waves overnight.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a leave-in conditioner or a lightweight hair oil before bed to keep your hair hydrated and less prone to frizz.
We wrote a more in-depth blog about this one a couple of months back! If you’d like more info you can read about it here
4. Fighting Frizz in the Summer
Humidity is actually an evil supervillain whose superpower is creating unwanted frizz. Diabolical I know, but with the right strategies, you can keep frizz at bay:
Anti-Humidity Products: Invest in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed to combat humidity. Look for ingredients like silicone (yes silicone can sometimes be your hero) and natural oils that create a barrier against moisture.
Avoid Over-Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, making it more susceptible to frizz. Try to wash your hair every few days instead.
Embrace Updos: On particularly humid days, opt for hairstyles like braids, buns, or ponytails. These styles help keep your hair in place and reduce the chance of frizz.
There you have it! By tweaking a few habits and using the right products, you can tame that frizz and enjoy smooth, gorgeous hair no matter what the weather or situation. Remember, it’s all about understanding what your hair needs and treating it with a little extra care.
With love,
Ari <3
